Socioeconomic Inequality in Life Expectancy: Perception and Policy Demand

Lasse J. Jessen (), Sebastian Koehne, Patrick Nüß and Jens Ruhose ()
Additional contact information
Lasse J. Jessen: Kiel University
Jens Ruhose: University of Kiel

No 16780, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Using survey experiments in the United States and Germany with 12,000 participants, we examine perceptions of life expectancy inequality between rich and poor people. The life expectancy of the poor is underestimated more than that of the rich, leading to exaggerated perceptions of inequality in both countries. Receiving accurate information narrows concerns about this inequality. However, the impact of information on policy demand is limited because support for policies addressing life expectancy for the poor is consistently high, regardless of varying perceptions of inequality. We conclude that there is strong and unconditional public support for health equity policies.

Keywords: socioeconomic inequality in life expectancy; health care; information treatment; survey experiment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C90 D71 D83 I14 I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 71 pages
Date: 2024-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dem, nep-exp and nep-hea
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Related works:
Working Paper: Socioeconomic Inequality in Life Expectancy: Perception and Policy Demand (2024)
Working Paper: Socioeconomic inequality in life expectancy: Perception and policy demand (2024)
Working Paper: Socioeconomic Inequality in Life Expectancy: Perception and Policy Demand (2024)
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